Modern U.S. History

Waynesboro Area Senior High SchoolCourse Syllabus: American History (H211)

Department: Social Studies Instructor: Douglas Lowery

Phone: 762-1191 Email Address: douglas_lowery@wasdpa.org

Required Text:United States History and Geography, (2013) McGraw-Hill

Suggested Materials: 3-ring binderornotebook and folder

Course Overview: The course will present a chronological study of American history
from the Civil War to the present.

Course Objectives: Students will demonstrate an understanding of:

The political and cultural contributions of individuals and groups to United States history.

The importance of primary documents, material artifacts, and historic sites in United States history.

How continuity and change have influenced United States history.

How conflict and cooperation have shaped United States history.

Instructor Philosophy: Learning is an active process—it is not accomplished by simply lecturing. Students must actively participate in the learning process and will be given the opportunity to construct their own understandings. With this in mind, this course will stress student-directed activities. (You will be presenting in front of the class (multiple times))

Technology: Technology will be used regularly by the teacher. Students will be expected to use technology during research. Students will be permitted to use personal electronic devices on select days for class related activities.

Emergency Procedure: Students will exit the building by heading down the staircase toward the D wing and head directly to the visiting side of the football stadium unless otherwise directed.

IN THIS CLASS, YOU ARE NOT ENTITLEDTO ANYTHING, EXCEPT YOUR OPINION AND THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED. The grade you receive will be a direct reflection of the effort you put forth.

“The more you put in… the more you get out”

Tentative Course Outline:

The United States Constitution

9/11

The Civil War & Reconstruction

The Western Frontier

A New Industrial Age

Immigrants & Urbanization

The Progressive Era

The U.S. as a World Power

World War I

The Roaring Twenties

The Great Depression

World War II

Cold War Conflicts

Kennedy and the Cold War

Civil Rights

The Vietnam War Years

Social Change

The U.S. in Today’s World

Expectations:

For full credit, assignments must be turned in on their due date. (no excuse)

Students will be given 2 days (for every day they are absent) to make up work.

Test/Quizzes must be made up within one week of an absence.

Next day AFTER SCHOOL (If you were present the day before)

Follow all school rules. They are in your planner, and will be enforced.

Sit in your assigned seat. Do not change seats unless given permission.

Do not use your cell phone, IPod, or any other electronic device.

Wait to be dismissed before heading for the exit.

Treat everyone in the classroom with respect.

Raise your hand to speak.

Do not speak when someone else is speaking.

Absolutely no bullying will be tolerated.

Treat all property and materials with respect.

Come to class with all required materials.

Textbook(when needed), notebook/binder, assignments, writing utensil.

Attend class daily and be on time.

Be in your seat when the bell rings. (school rules regarding detention)

Please use the bathroom responsibly and at appropriate times.

Consequences: If you need to be spoken to regarding the class procedures:

1st time – Verbal Warning

2nd time – Email or phone call to your parents

3rd time – Teacher detention

Tests: 95% of all tests are question/answer format. You will see very few matching, true false, multiple-choice questions. Quizzes/Tests will typically range from 50 – 100 questions/points.